Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) has worked pretty well for me at times to make my ears less full and congested, and theoretically, able to drain better if the eustachian tubes are functioning at all. Those are the tubes that run from the ears to around where the nasal cavity and back of throat join together, and how drainage is supposed to be achieved. So, yes, they are connected, and no, it is not a stupid theory to think that nose congestion would be responsible for fluid not draining properly out of the ears. The nasal congestion and inflammation can affect the e-tubes and their being able to open properly.